Learning about jewelry definitely takes some time. It is one of those things that you really have to study to see what works with your skin tone and wardrobe choices. You also want to make sure you don’t end up spending too much on jewelry that really isn’t worth it. Here’s some tips to help.
Try not to bathe or swim in your fine jewelry. Many times the type of water (hard versus soft) can splash and wear the metal jewelry or stain the stone. There are also chemicals like chlorine found in many swimming pools that can turn stones and badly stain metal jewelry.
When looking to invest in fine jewelry, understand the different price ranges different metals and gemstones fall into. For example, understanding that opal is very expensive, you can already figure out if you see someone selling it for under twenty dollars, it is a fake. Knowing that sterling silver is a lot cheaper than white gold, but quite similar in appearance, can help narrow down your price when looking to invest in a nice pair of earrings.
One “old fashioned” piece of jewelry that you might want to reconsider wearing, is a watch. Younger people are used to using their cell phones or other electronics to tell time, but in certain situations, it may be more appropriate or more professional to wear a nice watch. You don’t want to be constantly checking your watch at a job interview or a formal event, but wearing one sends a certain message.
If you have a piece of jewelry that has a clasp that is broken there is no reason to throw it away because you can get it fixed. You can take it to a jewelry shop and have it repaired. You need to call the jewelry store going in so that you can be sure that they will fix jewelry regardless of where it was purchased.
Soak diamonds for twenty minutes in a solution made of four parts water and one part ammonia for a sparkling shine. Scrub them with a soft dampened toothbrush allows cleaning of hard to reach places, such as under the gem or around the prongs. Dry it with a soft cloth to keep it shining and looking new.
To avoid breaking the chain of your necklace, pair it with a pendant that matches it in weight. A thin necklace should only be worn with delicate charms, and heavy pendants should be saved for thick, durable chains that can handle the strain. This tip also applies to charm bracelets.
When it comes to showing off your personality through jewelry, most of the time you can make a larger statement with less. Choose bold, dramatic pieces, but limit yourself to wearing one or two at a time. A sophisticated pair of chandelier earrings can set off an outfit on it’s own, and sometimes a flashy cocktail ring is the only glitz you need to draw attention.
Look for creative ways to add value to your handmade jewelry. Instead of using a cardboard earring holder, you can offer earrings that are mounted on a handmade birthday or Mother’s Day card, or a necklace that is packaged in a vintage seed packet. Finding ways to encourage gifting of your wares, can make all the difference in the world for your cash flow.
Don’t swim wearing your jewelry. Chlorine in pools will damage your pieces causing them to lose their luster. Salt water is equally as bad for your jewelry. It is advisable to remove all jewelry prior to participating in any water sports to protect and extend the life of your jewelry.
As a jeweler, you should do your best to differentiate yourself from the concurrence. Set up your store in a unique way or create an original website. Create original pieces as well as classics. Choose the strategy that works for you: find your audience and create pieces that correspond to a certain style.
If you are passionate about wearing and selling jewelry but lack the time or materials to make your own, many companies offer opportunities to sell their rings, necklaces, and bracelets in an Avon-inspired business arrangement. Authorized representatives, with marketing help from the parent company, build clientele and sell pieces for a percentage of the selling price.
When shopping for a ring, necklace, or bracelet, consult all available sources before making a purchase for your wife or girlfriend. Do not hesitate to consult her mother, sister, or best friend. They may be able to provide more detailed insight into her preferences regarding metal, gems, and details.
Make the presentation and pictures of your jewelry everything. Your customers won’t actually get to touch and feel the jewelry before they buy it, so having great pictures of your product will help sell it. It’s important that your customers know exactly what they are getting since they can’t physically see it.
When considering jewelry for your wedding be sure that you shop for it in plenty of time for your wedding date. This is important so that you not only get the best prices for it but also to ensure that it is available for you with plenty of time to spare.
Before you buy any jewelry, read tips like these so you can get a real feel for what you should be looking for and what things you should keep in mind. Building a jewelry collection is fun and the results are something that you can pass down for generations.
